The Problem with Fear-Driven Skincare Advice
When Jimmy Carr appeared on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast in 2024, he was asked for non-obvious advice for younger people. He didn’t hesitate: “Stay out of the sun. Sun damage is 90% of ageing.”
He’s not wrong, ultraviolet (UV) radiation does contribute to skin ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer. But that’s not the whole story when it comes to skincare.
This focus on sun avoidance often feeds a wider cultural fear of ageing. Social media and the beauty industry push a narrow ideal of youth and flawlessness. Filters, likes, and curated images distort reality. They make people chase perfection at the cost of mental and physical well-being.
I haven’t used social media for personal reasons in over three years. I only keep it for professional use. This decision freed me from needing external validation. I now seek fulfilment from within and through lived experiences.
Sunlight: More Than Skin Deep
Spending time in the sun, when done safely, offers more than just warmth. It connects us to nature and boosts overall health. Sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, which control sleep and energy levels. Morning light signals the body to wake up and be alert. It improves mood, supports sleep, and creates a deep sense of well-being.
The sun also helps the body produce vitamin D. This nutrient is essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system, and good metabolic function. Many people, especially in colder climates or with indoor lifestyles, struggle to get enough without sunlight. Supplements help, but they don’t fully replace the natural benefits.
There’s also something emotional about sunlight that’s hard to measure but easy to feel. Stepping outside, feeling warmth on the skin, and being in open air grounds us. It lifts our mood. It encourages movement. It helps us reconnect with ourselves and the world.
A Balanced Approach to Ageing
Avoiding the sun completely to preserve perfect skin comes at a cost. It puts cosmetic concerns above overall health and well-being. It shrinks life. Smart sun habits like using sunscreen and avoiding peak UV hours make sense. But treating the sun as a threat can leave us more isolated and less connected to life.
Sunlight is a symbol of aliveness. It pulls us away from screens and into nature. It nourishes more than the skin, it nourishes the spirit.
Wrinkles aren’t flaws. They’re marks of time, emotion, and experience. The anti-ageing industry thrives on turning ageing into a flaw to be fixed. But the truth is, ageing is a gift. Many don’t get that privilege. Wrinkles are signs that we’ve lived, laughed, and survived.
Of course, sun safety matters. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises avoiding peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen.
A Healthier Path to Self-Care
Jimmy Carr’s other comments on Diary of a CEO were refreshingly honest. He spoke about male loneliness and emotional well-being. These topics are too often ignored in public self-care conversations. His openness encourages men to connect and care for their mental health.
But the “stay out of the sun” advice risks reinforcing fear instead of promoting balance. A healthier message might be: enjoy the outdoors, respect the sun, and take care of your skin without fearing every ray.
Personally, I’ve found peace in leaving social media’s endless comparisons behind. I value life’s moments more than appearance. A body with wrinkles is one that has lived fully.
Carr has shared great advice over the years. But when it comes to skincare, a more nuanced message, one that embraces outdoor life and acknowledges UV risks, might serve young people better.
For more offbeat stories, click here!
Photo credit: Diary of a CEO by Stephen Bartlett (YouTube)
